Women with Multiple Implantation Failures and Recurrent Pregnancy Losses have Increased Peripheral Blood T Cell Activation

Problem We aim to determine whether peripheral blood T cell activation is associated with repeated implantation failures or recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs). Method of study Women with a history of repeated implantation failure (n = 18) or RPLs (n = 17) comprise the study group. Normal fertile women (n = 11) are included as controls. Proportion of activated peripheral blood T cells (CD69+, CD154+) and Th1/Th2 cell ratios are measured by flow cytometric analysis. Results Proportions (%) of CD4+/154+ of CD4+ and CD8+/154+ of CD8+ cells were significantly higher in study group than those of controls. Proportions (%) of CD3+/69+ of CD3+ cells and CD8+/69+ of CD8+ cells were significantly increased in study group compared to controls. Proportion (%) of CD4+/69+ cells significantly correlated with % CD4+/154+ cells (P = 0.003). Activated cytotoxic T cells (CD8+/154+, CD8+/69+) inversely correlated with INF-gamma/IL-10 producing CD3+/4+ T cell ratios. Proportion of activated CD3+/8+/69 and CD3+/8+/154+ cells was inversely correlated with IFN-gamma/IL-10 expressing CD3+/4+ T cell ratios. Conclusion Women with MIFs or RPLs have increased T cell activation in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and T cell suppressor activation seems to be associated with decreased Th1 immunity. Further studies on T cell activation may elucidate molecular mechanisms controlling Th1 effectors.